More than 20 grave stones vandalized
The department was investigating the incident Sunday evening, and were dusting the markers for fingerprints around 8 p.m. At least four individual sets of prints have been found, the department said.
According to Officer Larry Barker of the HPD, it appeared "to be at least two people" who had followed the driving path around the cemetery from an entrance on state Route 138, and followed the winding path to the opposite end of the cemetery near the Montrose Square Apartments. Graves lining that roadway were knocked over.
Officer Todd Whited, of the HPD, who was dusting the markers for fingerprints, and said that he had counted at least 22 graves that had been vandalized, and said there could be more.
Barker said that it appeared the monuments had been pushed over.
Vandalism at the cemetery has been occurring at the cemetery over the past few months, with damage ranging from stolen flowers to broken vases and lights. The HPD has been making regular patrols through the cemetery.
"It would really help if anyone who sees something would give us a call," Barker said.
Barker said that the Ohio Revised code has a specific violation for vandalism that occurs in cemeteries.
On May 31 the city of Hillsboro will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony in the Hillsboro Cemetery.
On Monday, May 24, Hillsboro Police Chief Nick Thompson told The Highland County Press that he has not assigned a specific officer to investigate the ongoing vandalism.
"Our second shift has been working on it, but we have no leads," Thompson said. "We will more than likely step up patrols at the cemetery and we ask anybody that may have any information whatsoever, we would greatly appreciate it if they would give us a call. This is a very sad crime and any help we could get from anyone who may have seen anything, or seen anyone suspicious would be greatly appreciated."
Thompson said that he spoke with representatives from the Harsha Monument Company in Hillsboro and that "they didn't have an exact dollar amount, but it is in the several thousands." Anyone who has any information on the case is asked to called the HPD at (937) 393-3411.
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